HONOLULU, Hawaii – State Senator Kai Kahele spoke in support of a future Hilo aviation school on the floor of the Hawaii State Senate today.

Senate Bill 3073, which passed through the senate on third reading on Tuesday, establishes a school of aviation at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in order to offer a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical science. The bill also makes an appropriation.

The young Sen. Kahele, himself an accomplished pilot, helped usher the bill through the senate following the death of father, Gil, the previous senator serving Hilo. Sen. Gil Kahele died earlier this year and Kai was appointed to fill the immediate vacancy.